Forest Grove Annual Town Meeting to focus on sustainability

Forest Grove's citizens and city leaders will hone in on sustainability at the Annual Town Meeting Saturday morning.

The city is seeking feedback from residents on how to make Forest Grove a sustainable community in all aspects, including the environment, economy and social interactions.

The event will feature a citizen-driven discussion along with several presentations on how sustainability can be incorporated into daily work. Coffee from B.J.'s and locally sourced food will also be provided.

Though the yearly event is normally coordinated by the Committee for Citizen Involvement, this year's meeting is organized by an ad hoc Sustainability Committee. Councilor Victoria Lowe has voiced support for making this commission a permanent part of the city, which would establish it as the 11th citizen advisory board.

The Annual Town Meeting will start at 9 a.m. in the Community Auditorium at 1915 Main St.

Mayor Peter Truax told citizens last week that sustainability is an important focal point for a city like Forest Grove that is part of a rapidly growing area of the state.

"The days when we could move somewhere and draw up the drawbridge behind us and not let anybody else in are gone," Truax said. "They're not coming back."

In light of the increasing population and limited resources, citizen input on sustainability is of great value to the city, he said.